Lanai, the Private Isle

Lanai is the sixth-largest Hawaiian island and is located just west of Maui. Lanai's nickname used to be "the Pineapple Isle" because at one point more than 90 percent of its land area was used by the Dole Plantation to grow pineapples. In recent years, Lanai's economy has shifted to tourism with the addition of exclusive resort properties. Since the island lies in Maui's rain shadow it has a very dry climate, providing plenty of sunshine for the exclusive beaches. Lanai City in the center of the island is the main town and has the only shopping on the island. Most people come to Lanai to enjoy the beautiful beaches, warm sunshine, and isolation of this very Hawaiian place.